Trump Officially Sweeps All 7 Swing States

 Axios,

President-elect Trump has secured a dominant victory in all seven key swing states in the 2024 election, bringing his total electoral votes to 312. This significant win puts him on track to become the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote. Notably, Trump’s success solidifies his influence as the Republican Party’s leader, signaling the institutionalization of his MAGA movement, especially if the GOP secures both chambers of Congress. Arizona was the final state to be called after Trump had already accumulated the necessary Electoral College votes. His performance contrasts sharply with past elections, particularly Biden’s win in 2020, where Trump only won North Carolina among the battleground states. Trump’s victory marks a shift in the political landscape, suggesting a potential reevaluation of how swing states could impact future elections.

Democrats Begin to Reassess Their Future After 2024 Election

CNN,

The Democratic Party is facing a period of intense self-reflection following significant losses in the 2024 election. Despite a strong performance in down-ballot races, there is concern over the growing appeal of Donald Trump, who outperformed expectations in several traditionally blue states. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed confusion over the shifting dynamics, questioning what makes Trump so popular despite his party’s failure to deliver for many key demographics. Internal critiques have emerged, with figures like Bernie Sanders criticizing the party for abandoning working-class voters, especially as Trump’s appeal continues to grow. Democrats are now tasked with finding leaders who can effectively address the concerns of the working class while grappling with the increasing influence of Trump’s populist agenda.

Israeli Strike on Northern Gaza Kills Dozens

 Reuters,

At least 32 people were killed and dozens more wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia, located in northern Gaza. Palestinian medics reported that the building targeted had been sheltering around 30 people, with bodies shown wrapped in blankets at a local hospital. Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas has intensified, particularly in Gaza’s northern regions. The strike forms part of a broader Israeli effort to root out Hamas militants operating in these densely populated areas. The war, which began with Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Israel seeking to end the threat from Hamas while facing increasing pressure over the humanitarian toll in Gaza.

Qatar Suspends Mediation Efforts in Gaza as Israeli Strikes Continue

 CBS News,

Qatar has decided to halt its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of seriousness from both sides regarding a ceasefire deal. This decision comes after Hamas rejected proposals to release hostages, a key condition for peace talks. While Qatar had been instrumental in brokering a significant hostage release last year, the latest developments have prompted a reevaluation of their role in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hamas strongholds in Gaza, leading to further casualties, including at least 16 deaths from separate Israeli strikes. The ongoing conflict has left Gaza in a dire humanitarian situation, with increasing calls for international intervention.

Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Strike on Moscow

 Reuters,

Ukraine has launched its largest drone strike on Moscow to date, sending 34 drones towards the Russian capital. The attack forced major airports to divert flights, and at least one person was injured. Russian air defenses intercepted additional drones targeting other regions. Ukraine stated that the strike aimed at a Russian arsenal, while Moscow claimed to have thwarted a terrorist attempt. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, now in its third year, has seen both sides extensively use drone warfare, targeting military infrastructure. The ongoing war has caused widespread destruction, with both capitals increasingly vulnerable to such attacks. Despite continued diplomatic tensions, the war shows no signs of de-escalating.

Trump Engages Elon Musk During Call with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy

 AP News,

President-elect Donald Trump facilitated a phone conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Elon Musk following his election victory. Musk, who has provided crucial satellite internet support to Ukraine through his company SpaceX, joined the call to receive thanks from Zelenskyy for the assistance. This interaction highlights Musk’s significant influence within Trump’s circle, with speculation that he may play a formal role in the administration. Trump, who has been critical of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, has suggested a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, but his approach remains unclear. This call underscores the growing importance of private sector figures in global diplomacy.

Bitcoin Approaches $80K Amid Mixed Market Sentiment

 Cointelegraph,

Bitcoin’s price surged nearly $2,000 in a single hour on November 10, bringing it close to the $80,000 mark. This price movement follows a typical weekend trend of low liquidity driving the market higher, although some analysts remain skeptical of its sustainability. Popular commentator WhalePanda and trading expert Keith Allen warn of potential pullbacks as Bitcoin enters a price discovery phase. The cryptocurrency has gained nearly 15% this week, and analysts are divided on whether this surge will continue or reverse, with some traders predicting a significant dip below $50,000 in the coming weeks.

China’s Fiscal Stimulus Plan to Support Economic Growth

South China Morning Post,

China has announced a significant fiscal stimulus plan worth 6 trillion yuan (approximately $837 billion) to support its economy amid global uncertainties. The debt-swap initiative, approved by the National People’s Congress, aims to stabilize China’s financial markets and prevent further economic slowdown. This plan comes at a critical time as China navigates challenges in both domestic and international markets, with hopes that this targeted approach will shore up investor confidence and ensure sustainable growth in the coming years.

Gaza’s Top Islamic Scholar Issues Fatwa Against October Attack

 BBC,

Dr. Salman al-Dayah, Gaza’s most respected Islamic scholar, has issued a rare fatwa condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, citing it as a violation of Islamic principles. Dr. Dayah, a former dean at the Islamic University of Gaza, argued that the attack led to excessive civilian casualties and widespread destruction, contrary to the teachings of Islam. His fatwa, which has significant influence within Gaza’s Sunni Muslim community, adds to the growing internal debate regarding Hamas’s tactics and the moral implications of their actions in the ongoing conflict with Israel.